If you suffered injury in a New Jersey car accident, you may seek compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. However, the process of obtaining financial compensation is complex and requires skilled legal representation from a Lakewood car accident lawyer.
At The Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP, our Lakewood car accident injury lawyers understand what you are going through in the aftermath of the accident. Your car may be totaled. You may have sustained severe physical injuries, missed considerable time from work, and developed neurological issues. You are also likely concerned about your financial instability due to your injuries.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated, tenacious, and resourceful. We work hard to achieve maximum financial compensation for all of our clients. We know how important it is for you to get the most from your car accident claim, and we will fight to make sure you get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Us to Handle Your Lakewood Car Accident Claim
For more than 50 years, the personal injury attorneys at The Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP, have helped injury victims throughout New Jersey. We have extensive experience handling car accident claims and have an impressive track record of achieving successful results. Since 1969, we've recovered billions of dollars in total compensation for our clients, and we are committed to maximizing your financial recovery.
Our success is the result of our unwavering dedication to our clients. We adhere to our principles of delivering compassionate, caring representation, and we treat our clients like members of our own family. We succeed because we care, and you can trust us to provide personalized attention to your case and work diligently to help you obtain the best outcome possible.
Honored for our impeccable professionalism and outstanding client service, our attorneys have earned numerous awards and honors, including designation as among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. We're also members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and we've received dozens of compelling testimonials and reviews from our clients.
Worried about the cost of hiring a Lakewood car accident lawyer? Don't be. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you won't pay anything upfront for us to represent you. We only accept attorney fees if we win your case or recover damages on your behalf.
We promise to conduct a thorough investigation into your case and collect the evidence needed to establish negligence and liability on the at-fault party. We will deal with the insurance company for you and handle all aspects of your claim to reduce your stress and burden. We know how to build strong car accident cases, and we're here to offer support and guidance to help you recover as fully as possible from a serious car crash.
Call our Lakewood, NJ law office at 732-886-8196 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation.
New Jersey Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Jersey recently reported the highest number of crash-related fatalities in over two decades. Traffic fatalities in New Jersey increased by 13%, outpacing the national average by 7%. In fact, the state has called the issue an "escalating emergency," and the Lakewood car accident attorneys at our firm continue to pursue cases that hold people accountable for this behavior.
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) shows that most car accidents in New Jersey occur on municipal or county roads, with 170,899 accidents reported in a recent year. The most common type is rear-ending accidents, which amount to 39,348 or nearly 25%. Moreover, New Jersey State Police report that 51 deadly crashes occurred on Interstate Highways I-95 and I-80, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Garden State Parkway.
NJDOT also reported nearly 1,400 car accidents involving cell phones that resulted in 479 people sustaining injuries. There were also 165 alcohol-related crash deaths. While many leading advocacy groups, such as Moms Against Drunk Driving (MADD), spread awareness on how to mitigate drunk driving, the issue prevails. Over 1 million people are arrested each year for DUI, and thousands of people suffer severe injuries or die due to drunk driving accidents.
Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Christmas are among the most dangerous times to drive.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Lakewood
Car accidents in Lakewood can occur due to a variety of factors. Most of the time, it's because another driver acted carelessly or recklessly. Some common driver actions that lead to auto collisions in Lakewood include:
- Distracted Driving: Use of mobile phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can divert a driver's attention from the road, leading to accidents.
- Speeding: Driving at speeds higher than the posted limits or too fast for road conditions can contribute to accidents, as it reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and excessive speeding, can lead to accidents.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs can result in intersection collisions and side-impact accidents.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Drivers failing to yield the right of way, especially at intersections, can lead to accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Drowsy driving can impair a driver's ability to focus and react quickly, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely reduces the reaction time and increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
- Failure to Signal or Use Lights: Not using turn signals, headlights, or brake lights can lead to confusion and accidents, especially in low-visibility conditions.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced or young drivers may lack the skills and judgment needed to navigate complex traffic situations safely.
Along with driver error or negligence, other factors can cause car accidents as well in Lakewood, NJ:
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven road surfaces
- Defective vehicle components, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts
- Inclement weather conditions, such as ice, snow, rain, or fog
- Construction zones where there may be shifting traffic patterns as well as barriers, workers, and heavy equipment near or in the road
What Are Common Injuries and Damages in Lakewood, NJ Car Accidents
Car accident injuries can vary widely in severity depending on factors such as the type of collision, the speed of the vehicles involved, and whether occupants used safety features like seat belts and airbags. Common injuries may include:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Bruises and contusions
- Broken bones
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Chest injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Knee and leg injuries
- Emotional and psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It's important to seek medical attention promptly after a car accident, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and a medical evaluation can help identify and address issues early on. You should also consult a personal injury attorney to discuss your options to obtain compensation.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Lakewood?
If you're involved in a car accident in Lakewood, NJ, it's essential to take certain steps to ensure your safety, the safety of others involved, and to comply with legal and insurance requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident:
- Move to a safe location if possible, especially if the accident occurred on a busy road. Turn on hazard lights and use flares or warning triangles if available.
- Check yourself, your passengers, and others for injuries. Call 911 for emergency medical assistance if needed. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation is crucial for both your well-being and for filing an injury claim.
- Contact local law enforcement to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage, or if it's required by local laws. You may also need to report the crash to the DMV.
- Exchange contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration information with the other parties involved. Include names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company info, and policy numbers.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Document road conditions, traffic signals, and relevant details.
- If there are witnesses, collect their contact information. They may be valuable if there are disputes about the incident.
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be construed as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when discussing the incident.
- Contact your insurance company and inform them of the accident. Provide them with the necessary information and details about the incident.
- Keep a record of all correspondence with insurance companies, law enforcement, and other relevant parties. Document medical treatment and expenses related to the accident.
As soon as you're physically able once you've received treatment for your injuries, you need to contact a local car accident lawyer to discuss your case if someone else's negligent actions caused your injuries.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Lakewood Car Accident Claim
After suffering injuries in a Lakewood car accident someone else caused, you can pursue a personal injury claim to recover various damages. The damages you can potentially recover depend on the specific circumstances of your case and the losses you've incurred, but here are some common types of damages you may recover:
- Medical expenses, including future medical costs
- Lost wages, including loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Disability or disfigurement
- Other expenses related to the accident and your injuries.
In the unfortunate event of a fatal accident, certain surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. In rare cases where the court deems the at-fault party's conduct willful, malicious, or grossly negligent, it may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
It's essential to keep detailed records of your medical treatments, expenses, and other losses to support your claim. Consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney in Lakewood can help you understand the specific damages applicable to your case and ensure that you pursue fair compensation for your losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Lakewood, NJ?
New Jersey's statute of limitations allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court, seeking damages. You must have an attorney file suit for you within that time, or you risk losing your right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
Contact Our Lakewood Car Accident Attorneys
When a car accident upends your life, you need a legal advocate who will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. At The Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP, we care about our clients and we will do everything possible to take on powerful insurance companies to fight for your rights.
Call us today for a no-obligation, free consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay any fees unless and until we win compensation for your injuries.